
There’s nothing like summer peaches baked into a flaky lattice pie. I learned the secrets of perfect pie crust in Nana Mae’s diner, where the crust was always golden and the fruit filling never soggy.
This version uses fresh peaches at their peak, their juices thickened naturally with a touch of sugar and cornstarch. The lattice top allows steam to escape while creating that signature bakery look.
You’ll get tender peach slices bursting with flavor, encased in pastry that shatters at the touch. The balance of sweet fruit and buttery crust makes this a dessert worth the effort.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the full experience. David always requests seconds.
Ingredients for Peach Pie Recipe Using Fresh Peaches
Fresh peaches, buttery crust, and a little sugar create this summer classic.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 2 ½ cups | Plus extra for dusting |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | ¾ cup | Divided for crust and filling |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 1 cup | Cold and cubed |
| Ice Water 💧 | ¼ cup | Plus more as needed |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Divided for crust and filling |
| Fresh Peaches 🍑 | 8 whole | Ripe but firm, about 2.5 lbs |
| Cornstarch 🌾 | ¼ cup | For thickening filling |
| Lemon Juice 🍋 | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
| Vanilla Extract 🌿 | 1 tsp | Pure for best flavor |
| Ground Cinnamon 🌿 | ½ tsp | Optional for warmth |
| Large Egg 🥚 | 1 whole | For egg wash on lattice |
Peaches are everything here. Look for freestone varieties at farmers markets or well-stocked grocery stores—they pit easier and hold shape when baked. Nana Mae always said the fruit should give slightly when pressed (not mushy). For the butter, Plugrá or Cabot have perfect fat content for that flaky crust. Keep everything ice-cold until it hits the oven.
No fresh peaches? Frozen works in a pinch—thaw and drain well first. Out of cornstarch? Instant tapioca at half the amount thickens just as nicely. The egg wash can be swapped with milk or cream for a dairy-richer finish. Skip the cinnamon if you prefer just pure peach flavor. King Arthur flour is my go-to for reliable results.
Assemble the lattice right before baking—prevents soggy crust. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to revive the flakiness. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Bowl Crust: That buttery, flaky crust comes together in one bowl with just flour, butter, and ice water—no fancy gadgets needed.
- Peak Summer Flavor: Fresh peaches and sugar create a filling so juicy and sweet it tastes like summer in every bite.
- Weekend or Weeknight: Equally at home at a Sunday picnic or a random Tuesday dessert craving.
- Leftovers? Unlikely: Honestly, it’s so good that the only leftovers are the crumbs on the plate.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Peach Pie
Here’s how I make a showstopping pie with a flaky crust and perfectly juicy peach filling.
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
In a food processor, pulse the 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, ½ tsp salt, and the 1 cup cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. This texture ensures a flaky crust, so don’t over-process.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the ¼ cup ice water and the 1 large egg until the dough just comes together. It should hold when pressed but not be sticky. If it’s too dry, add more ice water 1 tablespoon at a time. Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
Step 2: Make the Peach Filling
Peel, pit, and slice the 8 fresh peaches into ¼-inch thick wedges. Toss them immediately with the 1 tbsp lemon juice to prevent browning. In a large bowl, combine the peaches with ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, and the remaining ½ tsp salt.
Stir gently to coat all the slices evenly. Let the filling sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to release and the cornstarch to begin thickening. This step ensures your filling isn’t runny after baking.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie with a Lattice Top
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to a 12-inch circle and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges, leaving a ½-inch overhang. Spoon the peach filling into the crust, mounding it slightly in the center.
Roll out the second disc to the same size. Cut it into 1-inch wide strips for the lattice. Weave the strips over the filling in a crisscross pattern, pressing the ends into the bottom crust’s overhang. Trim and crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the lattice top with a light egg wash made from the remaining egg (if any) or a splash of water. Sprinkle the top with the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar for extra crunch and shine.
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling thickly at the edges. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This wait allows the filling to set completely, so you get clean, juicy slices every time.
Pro Tips For Making Peach Pie Recipe Using Fresh Peaches
- Chill the Dough: After mixing the flour, butter, and ice water, let the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this keeps the butter cold so your crust stays flaky.
- Peel with Ease: Score an “X” on the bottom of each peach, blanch in boiling water for 15 seconds, then shock in ice water; the skins will slip right off.
- Drain the Peaches: I learned this the hard way—toss sliced peaches with sugar, let sit 10 minutes, then drain excess juice to prevent a soggy pie.
- Vent the Top: Cut a few 1-inch slits in the top crust so steam can escape, or your pie might burst at the seams in the oven.
Dietary Considerations for This Recipe
Gluten-Free Option
For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. I’ve tested King Arthur’s Measure for Measure with excellent results. The texture will be slightly more tender, but still flaky and delicious. Add 1 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
Vegan Adaptation
Use coconut oil or vegan butter (like Miyoko’s) for the crust, replacing the 1 cup unsalted butter. For the egg wash, brush the lattice with plant-based milk or maple syrup for a golden finish. The filling is already vegan as written.
Reduced Sugar
Cut the granulated sugar in half for the filling, and use 2 tbsp instead of ¼ cup on the lattice. The natural sweetness of ripe peaches shines through. I often do this when serving with vanilla ice cream. 💪
Nut-Free
This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always check your all-purpose flour and cornstarch labels for cross-contamination warnings. For extra safety, use a dedicated nut-free kitchen or clean all surfaces thoroughly before starting.
Dairy-Free
Replace the 1 cup unsalted butter with cold coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Ensure your granulated sugar is processed without bone char if strict vegan adherence is needed. The lattice will still brown beautifully.
Lower Carb
For a lower-carb crust, try a almond flour and coconut flour blend. The filling can use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar. David loves this version, though the texture differs slightly from traditional pie. 💛
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Prevent a soggy bottom by baking on the lowest oven rack and using a preheated baking sheet. A 15-minute head start at 400°F also helps the crust set before the filling releases juices.
What if my peaches aren’t very juicy?
Add 2 tablespoons of water to the filling and increase cornstarch to ⅓ cup. Overripe peaches release more liquid, so adjust accordingly. The filling should thicken as it bakes.
Can I make the lattice ahead of time?
Assemble the lattice just before baking to avoid sogginess. You can pre-cut the strips and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours between parchment paper. Weave quickly for best results.
Why did my filling turn out runny?
This usually happens if the peaches released too much juice or the cornstarch didn’t activate. Let the pie cool for the full 2 hours—the filling will thicken as it sets.
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